A divination witch is an individual who practices divination, which is the art of seeking knowledge of the future or an unknown by supernatural means. Divination witches harness their psychic abilities and intuitive powers to access information beyond the realm of the ordinary senses. These witches rely on various techniques and tools to facilitate their divination practices, such as tarot cards, crystal balls, pendulums, astrology charts, and rune stones. Divination witches have been present throughout history and are found in different cultures across the world. They are often regarded as wise and insightful, possessing the ability to tap into the hidden aspects of life. Divination witches may use their skills to gain insight into personal matters, guide others in their decision-making processes, provide spiritual advice, or explore the mysteries of the universe.
What people genuinely get out of divination is the spirituality, synchronicity and connection to something greater than themselves. It’s a bridge between you and the unseen world. What people get out of divination is an experience that is really hard to explain, and a result that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.
Divination is so bloody nuanced that you couldn t possibly define it as one specific thing, because divination methods are so varied that you only have to take a quick look at the different divination methods listed on this website to see how varied they really are. Rather than use tools and various trinkets, psychometry relies on the sensations and feelings of the witch, who cleverly uses to her own benefit the information obtained through sensing.
Divination witches may use their skills to gain insight into personal matters, guide others in their decision-making processes, provide spiritual advice, or explore the mysteries of the universe. The practices and methods employed by divination witches vary widely. Some witches specialize in specific forms of divination, such as cartomancy (using cards), scrying (gazing into a reflective surface), or numerology (analyzing numbers).
Divination
Predicting the future has a long history, and is one of the trickiest magical arts to perfect. Over the centuries, people have practised Divination using a variety of weird and wonderful methods. Some attempts at Divination are, frankly absurd. According to The Old Egyptian Fortune Teller's Last Legacy, for instance, 'a mole on the buttock denotes honour to a man and riches to a woman'.
Installing the Chinese Oracle bones in the Divination roomThe British Library
'So you have decided to study Divination, the most difficult of all magical arts.'
Professor Trelawney in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
"Chinese oracle bones" (c. 1600–1050 BC)Первоисточник: Or 7694/1559, Or 7694/1560, Or 7694/1585, Or 7694/1595.
A Chinese Oracle Bone
This humble-looking bone is the oldest exactly datable item in Harry Potter: A History of Magic. On the front, the diviners observed that nothing of great significance would happen in the immediate future. On the reverse is a recorded a lunar eclipse viewable at Anyang, China, on 27 December 1192 BC. Oracle bones were known historically as ‘dragon bones’, emphasising their magical qualities.
"Wonders. Past, Present, and to Come; Being the Strange Prophecies and Uncommon Predictions of the Famous Mother Shipton Wonders. Past, Present, and to Come; Being the Strange Prophecies and Uncommon Predictions of the Famous Mother Shipton" (1797)Первоисточник: 117.d.44.(2.).
The Yorkshire Prophetess
Little is known about Mother Shipton, also known as the ‘Yorkshire Prophetess’, and we cannot even be sure that she existed. Her most famous prophecy was made in 1530: she foretold that Cardinal Wolsey, the new Archbishop of York, would see the city from afar but never reach it. True enough, Wolsey was arrested on his approach to York and he died soon afterwards.
She was supposedly incredibly ugly, and she was apparently able to levitate.
Wonders. Past, Present, and to Come; Being the Strange Prophecies and Uncommon Predictions of the Famous Mother ShiptonПервоисточник: 117.d.44.(2.).
'Unfogging the Future, very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods - palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails. '
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
"A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiac A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiac" (19th century)Первоисточник: Or 4830.
Lucky in Love?
When looking for love, it is worth bearing in mind that, according to this Thai manuscript, a hot-tempered couple has a better chance of living happily together than a demonic male and an angelic female. In 19th-century Siam, people would have consulted a divination specialist (mor doo) on matters of love and relationships.
A Thai divination manual (phrommachat), containing horoscopes based on the Chinese zodiacПервоисточник: Or 4830.
These drawings show the animals from the Chinese zodiac, which would have been used to create horoscopes.
"Witch's Scrying Mirror" (20th century)Первоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 342.
A Witch’s Scrying Mirror
The former owner of this mirror, the witch Cecil Williamson, warned that, if you gaze into it, ‘and suddenly see someone standing behind you, whatever you do, do not turn around’.
Divination with a mirror or another reflective surface is an ancient practice known as scrying. The term originates from the word ‘descry’, meaning ‘to catch sight of’.
Conservator with the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic's Crystal ballThe British Library
"John Melville, Crystal-Gazing and the Wonders of Clairvoyance" (1910)Первоисточник: YA.1988.a.9195..
Crystal Gazing
John Melville wrote this popular guide in the 19th century, as interest in crystallomancy increased. He recommended taking ‘an infusion of the herb Mugwort or of the herb Succory’, which, ‘if taken occasionally during the Moon’s increase would constitute an aid to the attainment of the most desirable physical conditions of the experimenter’s body.’ It is unclear how far Melville’s instructions helped those not gifted with Second Sight.
"Smelly Nelly’s Black Moon Crystal Ball" (20th century)Первоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 341.
Smelly Nelly
‘Smelly Nelly’, the Paignton witch who owned this crystal ball, was named after her taste for strong perfume. She believed that the fragrance appealed to the spirits who helped her to divine the future. One witness reported, ‘You caught her scent a mile off downwind … to be out with a Full Moon, Smelly Nelly and her crystal was quite an experience.’ Known as a Moon crystal, the black globe should be consulted at night, so that the seer could read the Moon’s reflection in the glass.
Installing the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic's Palmistry HandThe British Library
Palmistry handПервоисточник: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, 855.
A Palmistry Hand
Palmistry, also known as chiromancy, requires the diviner to interpret the shape and lines of the hand. This ceramic palmistry hand shows the significant lines and mounts on the palm and wrist. Hands like this were first manufactured for teaching in Britain in the 1880s. A famous palmist around that time was William John Warner, also known as Cheiro, who reputedly predicted events such as the sinking of the Titanic.
"Fortune-telling manuscript Fortune-telling manuscript" (14th century)Первоисточник: Royal MS 12 C XII.
Reading the Palms
This 700-year-old manuscript contains a collection of prophecies and guides to fortune-telling. Here you can see the section which explains palmistry. On the right hand, a vertical line running across the palm reads, ‘this line represents love’. A vertical line running between the middle and index finger has a less fortunate meaning: ‘This line signifies a bloody death; if the line reaches unto the middle of the finger it signifies a sudden death.’ Other lines predict illnesses and attributes, including courage and humility.
As we’ve likely covered before, witches are the energy manipulators with respect for the natural environment, working with the unseen for tangible and ineffable results, and divination is a form of witchcraft. A divination witch is one who practices various forms of divination including reading tarot cards, reading runes, reading tea leaves, and who incorporates divination as a key element or just specifically centres their craft around divination as a practice.
Each type of divination requires a unique skill set and knowledge base. Divination witches typically have a deep connection to their intuition and spirituality. They may engage in meditation, energetic cleansing, or rituals to enhance their abilities and establish a clear channel for receiving information. Many divination witches also study different metaphysical subjects, including astrology, symbolism, and mythology, to broaden their understanding and interpret the messages they receive. The role of a divination witch can be seen as a facilitator of guidance. They are not fortune tellers who predict specific events with certainty but rather use their skills to offer insight, clarity, and possibilities. Divination witches may encourage individuals to take an active role in shaping their future or provide guidance for navigating challenges and making informed decisions. It is important to note that being a divination witch requires dedication, practice, and personal growth. These witches must cultivate their connection to the spiritual realm, develop their intuition, and constantly refine their skills. A divination witch may also engage in ongoing study and exploration to expand their knowledge and understanding of divination practices. Overall, a divination witch is a practitioner of the mystical art of divination, utilizing psychic abilities and tools to seek insight into the future or gain knowledge of the unknown. They offer guidance, perspective, and potential paths for those seeking answers, using their skills to tap into the wisdom and energies beyond the physical realm..
Reviews for "Divination Witches and the Gift of Prophecy: Are They Born or Made?"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars - I really did not enjoy "What's a Divination Witch." The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. The plot was also weak and seemed to lack direction, with random events happening without any clear purpose. Additionally, I found the writing style to be clumsy and unpolished, with numerous grammatical errors throughout the book. Overall, I was disappointed with this novel and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - I found "What's a Divination Witch" to be quite mediocre. The concept had potential, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, and the story seemed to drag on unnecessarily. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to believe in the characters and their interactions. While there were a few interesting moments, they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster nature of the book. I would not consider reading another book by this author after this experience.
3. Jennifer - 2/5 stars - "What's a Divination Witch" was a disappointment for me. The plot felt cliche and predictable, without any major surprises or twists. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with little understanding of the magical system and how it fit into the overall story. The romance elements felt forced and unrealistic, lacking any genuine chemistry between the characters. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by this novel and would not recommend it to fans of the genre.